ALBINO ARMANI
VENETO, ITALY
Why Buy: Power. Intensity. Long finishes. What more could you want? Well, how about the fact that these Amarones hail from one of the oldest and most pedigreed Amarone houses in the world, and that we're able to offer them at 30% OFF? Talk about a no-brainer.
Story: This is not *that* Armani, but its lineage is no less distinguished, and with considerably more history behind it. The Albino Armani family has been in the wine business since 1607 — the same year the Virginia Company of London, chartered by King James, dropped anchor in Jamestown, Virginia. Today, operations have expanded to five wineries, three in Venice, one in Trentino Adige, and one in Friuli, and the facilities are as modern and dramatic as they come. But age-old methods still predominate, particularly in the making of Amarone, the star of the estate, with hand-selecting of grapes (Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella), a long-drying process (known as appassimento), and a slow, 30-day maceration all regarded as imperative, and clay amphorae, a vessel devised by the ancients, still employed in the aging of the wines.
Our Tasting Notes: You may want to make sure to decant these an hour before drinking, to give them time to emerge and come to full bloom.
* The Armani Amarone 2019 is an absolute powerhouse of a red, with an almost umami-rich intensity and just enough tannins and acidity to provide a measure of balance. We reveled in its vivid, floral aromatics and its undertones of clove and mint, which add delicate grace notes to a zesty, persistent wine that doesn't stop unfolding.
* As for the Cuslanus, from 2017, don't let its almost ink-black coloration fool you: there is power here, to be sure, and a power, moreover, that carries through from that first nosing of the glass all the way to the finish. But there is considerable elegance here, too. This is an Amarone of finesse and beauty, from the expressive aromatics of wild flowers and herbs to the layers of spice and herbs that come through clearly in spite of the wine's concentration and density.
ABV: Armani Amarone 2019, 16%; Armani Amarone Cuslanus 2017, 15.5%.
What to Pair Them With: The concentrated fruit makes these wines sneaky-good companions for rich foods like pepperoni pizza (a must, truly) or all-day braised beef. We also found them to be great partners for slow-cooked stews of lamb and pork; coq au vin; chocolate mousse or chocolate pot de creme; and cheesecake.
Fun Fact: Albino Armani, the current proprietor of the estate, is a 16th generation winemaker.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so you can be confident that your Amarones will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Don't hesitate to secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2024. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, December 10, 2023.
